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My top secrets to better workouts + win a Rebel Sport Voucher

Isn’t it awesome when you find out that there is a better way to do something you’re already doing, or something to make life easier? Life is busy and I’m all for doing things more efficiently. When it comes to working out I want to get the best pay back for my effort and not have anything hold me back. Here’s my top tips that are going to help you save money, get fit faster and be more comfortable while you work out.

How to work out more efficiently

To get fit faster, high intensity interval training (HIIT) is the way to go.This involves alternating high intensity exercise followed by a recovery period at a lower intensity. Les Mills GRIT classes are an example of one type of HIIT but there are also HIIT exercises you can do at home for free. The app Nike Training Club has some workouts that are HITT, and it’s free to download on your iphone.

This type of training provides the benefits of longer endurance workouts in shorter periods of time. Before you get started with HIIT it’s good to already have a base level of fitness as it’s quite intense. You can read more about HIIT here.

More comfortable workouts

It’s not something we often talk about, but I’m putting it out there. Sometimes exercising with your period can be a pain. If you’re not into tampons or you need something for a lighter day, then wearing a pad or liner can be uncomfortable. They bunch up and move during your workout – especially if it’s a high intensity workout. I’ve been trialling a new product that’s out and it’s specifically designed for working out – U by Kotex Sports Ultrathins and they are really good! They are flexible and thin so they’re comfortable and discrete. They are also really absorbent (they have a specially designed FLEXFIT core) and are designed to mould and contour to the body as you move to protect against leaking. No need to take my word for it though, you can try it yourself for free. Simply click here to get your free sample.

More motivating music

Don’t you hate it when you’re in a great rhythm with your run and then your music hits a really slow beat song? I’ve got the best thing to solve that problem on Spotify. This music app finds your running tempo and then it plays music that matches this. They’ve also got premixed running playlists which are awesome because I get bored of mine quite quickly. This is a great way to keep your workout fun and interesting.

Working out for less

When it comes to working out, I’m quite stingy. I know some people enjoy the gym, but for me the cost vs enjoyment doesn’t add up. I like to exercise in the great outdoors, and when the weather’s bad I workout at home. With just a few small pieces of equipment you can get a fantastic workout for very little cost.

At home I have a skipping rope, a set of weights, a yoga mat, my iphone with apps. If I can’t run, sometimes I’ll skip as it’s a low cost, simple way to get fit fast. You work both your lower body and your arms at the same time whilst boosting cardiovascular fitness. I know skipping can be hard when first starting out, if you’re keen to try it out here’s a plan to build up your skipping fitness over 10 weeks.

Nike Training Club is my go to fitness app, you can do yoga, high intensity interval training or focus on specific workouts for areas you want to target such as arms or abs. The app is free too. If you’re a running Nike Running is also another free app and I use this each time I run to track my speed and distance. It also has training plans you can follow.

Tell me, do you have any great workout tips??

Thanks to U by Kotex I’ve got a2 x !$100 Rebel Sport Voucher to give away! To be in the drawer to win, simply comment below with one of your workout tips. Competition now closed.

Yoga classes are great – the room is already warm, you don’t have to think about what to do next, the instructor gives you feedback on your poses, and the collective vibe is far better than doing it alone!

Always eat something small pre workout to burn fuel… Keep hydrated, and then eat something high protein / shake / some salami sticks are great afterwards
And buy clothes that fit comfortably so it not always tugging in ur clothing

Set your workout gear out the night before so when your alarm goes off you can grab it and hit the streets! Also create a routine you can do anywhere that way if your away from home you have no excuses 🙂

Having good music is definitely key for me to have a great workout. I like music that’s got a good beat and makes me want to dance when I’m out for a walk because it helps keep my energy up. I’ve signed up for some of those U by Kotex products as well, can’t wait to give them a go – I find exercising when I’ve got my period helps to lessen cramps.

I really need a workout buddy because I need sometime to kick mu butt and get it into gear. I haven’t worked out in forever but I have been thinking about it for a while. Unfortunately, motivation escapes me and I haven’t acted on it except for our usual long walks around our area or the beach. I might start slow and use the stuff I already I have at home like skipping rope, weights and yoga mat. I’m stingy too and I can’t justify a gym membership at this point. You have a great tips here though!

Having a bag in the car with my gym gear in it means I’m always prepared and have no excuse not to workout! Also planning ahead, at the beginning of each week, by writing down what I am going to focus on each day whether it be cardio, resistance or weights helps to keep me on track and saves precious time!

Always warm up for 5 minutes and try and get in the 60% heart rate zone, and try out dynamic stretches. I found this prevents me from lagging behind during the first minutes of HIIT and actually getting the most of the entire workout!

Have a training buddy! I work out with my boyfriend and it’s great. He motivates me and keeps me accountable. Best of all, we get to spend time together while working towards a healthier lifestyle! Win-win 🙂

Find a routine you enjoy doing! For me, its Spin classes twice a week, then HIIT training once a week, along with a weight training session once a week. Changing it up a bit keeps it fun and interesting for you! Also having a workout buddy really helps 🙂 If you don’t want to work out with someone, load up an amazing playlist, put your headphones in and go hard!

Often the fact that it’s called a ‘workout’ creates a mental barrier for some people. Make it fun and do what YOU enjoy – jumping on a trampoline or learning to paddle board can be just as challenging and rewarding as slogging it our on a treadmill. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t reap the full physical, mental and emotional benefits that exercise can offer.

Finding something that you enjoy is important so you don’t have to struggle to find motivation to exercise. However, you also need to mix it up with something different every now and then to get the most of it!

Best workout tip – do it with a friend!
You are committed to a plan and motivate each other! 🙂 My fav workout especially with summer coming up is bush/beach walks with the dog and little strength circuits with squats and lunges etc 🙂

Loved reading this! Top tip would be to mix up your exercises so you’re not constantly doing the same thing every workout 🙂 try runninh one day, circuit training the next day, swimming the day after and biking after that! Plus, working out with your friends is mega fun as you feel more determined to get that body you want! 🙂

One of my tips is to have a photo of your goals, something you can refer back to, and continues to motivate during a workout! Whether it’s a photo of a dress you really want to fit into or simply just a photo of a super toned stomach. I find this works for me ????????

Def use music for running, it helps keep the intensity up and distracts from you getting tired. so making sure the Ipod goes straight to get charged as soon as i walk in from my run. Also getting a new piece of work out clothing every now and then, makes you feel good and motivated at the same time. 🙂

I have recently bought myself a couple of dumb bells (my best by in a while) you can do such a variety of exercises with them. I enjoy holding one in each hand and doing lunges from one room to the other or hallway in my home 🙂 good for sculpting your butt, strengthening glutes and arms. x

Get someone to exercise with you that’s going to be someone that is great at motivating you – nothing more than not pushing yourself mix it up like over winter maybe classes in the gym and definitely over the summer stick to enjoyin the fresh air the shower at my gym was always my reward they are always so hot and can sneak a few extra minutes as no one on clock watching and iron &straightener so was kind of my way to reward myself set realistic goals xo

Even when you really don’t want to, make yourself workout; you’ll feel better afterwards! But always listen to your body.. If you’ve been training hard for a couple of days, take a break to avoid overtraining or burnout!

My silly yet effective tip is: join a gym that you will drive past daily. I joined one that’s on my way to work, so whenever I’m going to or from my job, it practically screams at me to get my butt in there. If I pass it on the way home without stopping in, I feel the guilt!

My workout tip is, book in to a Pilates class and do it. Simple. Make the commitment and the motivation follows. Sure does feel good. Inbetween days, choose to walk to the shops instead of driving. Also feels good !

Love this post Nicola,
My two things are to ensure always have headphones to play good music to keep me motivated and ensure I have a drink bottle with me to stay hydrated otherwise I find I can’t get through my session as well

Make a plan to do it with a friend, it’s always hard to say no when someone else is relying on you 🙂 also, I find a good thing to remember is: you never regret a work out, but you’ll regret not doing one.

Awesome read and some good tips. My top tip would be to mix up your routine so you dont get bored. If your sick of the running on the treadmill, try running outsde, try a different route everytime and you get some great tracks. Also add in wight training, will help boost your cardio workout and get nice and toned. 🙂

i always go to the gym and night with a friend! only for self confidence reasons! and I also drink a big glass of water after you have done if you feel hungry! Because then your stomach will full up and you won’t need to eat as much!

Sometimes I find it hard to get out of the office during the day for a lunchtime workout (& when Wellington weather is awful it’s not that appealing) so I throw on my sneakers and walk the stairs of our building (13 floors = plenty of stairs) gets the heart rate going and those endorphins flowing.

Make sure you bring a towel to wipe the sweat off your face ! Also have a plan of what you’re going to do at the gym before you get there as this means you’re not stuffing around and can have an effective workout.

I’m far more motivated to exercise when being outdoors rather than in a gym. There’s so many beautiful inspiring places where you can train and push your limits without feeling like your exercising at all.. Take ya friends, kids dogs, bikes rollerblades etc and just enjoy

Wear workout clothes that get you excited! New ones are always the best! Also visulise yourself halfway through sweaty as hell but looking boss as and super fit, that always makes me want to go an kill my workout!

I think you have to find that one thing that you enjoy, don’t stick at exercise that you dread everyday. Also it’s good to find the confidence to do it on your own so that you’re not depending on someone to go with you and you have no excuse to not go if they don’t <3 you've all got this!

Make tousle a set for what you want to do at the gym. That way you don’t waste time trying to decide what to do! Also set yourself the goal the day before for when you want to go and plan your day around it

I leave my workout gear next to the bed so it is the first thing I see!! And my making an upbeat motivating music play list it makes me want to move!!!! If exercise isn’t fun and enjoyable then it won’t last!! ????????

Set a goal, then make your plan to achieve it. Small incremental steps that don’t overwhelm you will get you going. Be flexible with your plan, yet don’t compromise convenience – your goal will slowly slip away.

Commit yourself to a gym session with a friend and you’ll be surprised that you actually get up when your alarm goes off at 5am because you don’t want to let the other person down! Also, only pick exercises that you like to do…no point signing up for a 10km if you hate running 🙂

Learn what motivates you best. Some people find it easier to exercise with a friend or during a particular time of the day e.g. morning. However because we are all different you really need to try a lot of different things before you realise what works to motive and enable you to exercise. Without motivation there is no action!

I always seem to run better when I do a loop or circut, rather than running from point A to B and then back. It’s probably super illogical, but psychologically it makes me feel more productive which then transfers into my performance. I love not having to backtrack.

Don’t over do exercise and give your body rest days! Your body will reach a plateau and progress will Become slow! So keep your activity varied and exciting but not everyday! ?? Your body needs time to recover and grow!

I make sure I get a really early night then always work out in the morning before I have the chance to talk myself out of it. And always have a back up indoor home workout for if it’s raining – no excuses

My top tip first of all to find a workout or form of exercise that you love and enjoy, then it wont feel like a ‘chore’ and you will be excited when it comes time to workout 🙂 Also make a playlist with upbeat and fun songs, it will get you in the mood and you will have so much fun with your workout 🙂

I would definitely suggest working it with a friend, it makes it so much more fun and it makes it seem like hanging out with your friend rather than a chore! Another thing is to set yourself goals and grudually build up, don’t go hard out your first time, start off easy and slowly make it harder and harder ??

Setting out with something to achieve- it’s so easy to get tired and not push as hard on those last few reps etc, but if you set out to run a 5k loop without walking or climb that particular hill (Hakarimatas that’s you!), then you’re less likely to back out. Also it keeps things interesting and reaching goals keeps you motivated 🙂

Have workout gear ready and plan it as part of your day. I don’t let myself sit down after work. I get home and put my workout gear on straight away and head out the door before I have time to back out. 🙂

Setting clear goals and intentions and understanding the why behind my workouts is my top tip. Why do you workout? Is it getting you closer to one of your fitness goals? Do you enjoy doing it? Does it give you more energy? I think that is the most important to step. To sit down and reflect on why we are working out and changing it if it’s not aligning with our interests, goals and values. Doing this allows me to put in 110% into each workout because I know exactly why I’m working up a sweat.

I find it really motivating to workout with a friend. Even if it’s just one or two days a week that you go to a Zumba class together or take the dog for a walk. My workout buddies have helped me through my lifestyle change!

I would love some new workout clothes for summer as most of mine are too big post-weightloss.

If you are a morning gym goer, make sure all your bags are packed and everything is ready to go. Then when you wake up at an ungodly 5.30am, you’ll have no excuses not to go because you’re so organised!

I wear my workout gear to Uni and set a strict time to get out of studying and into exercising! It’s such a good break to hit one of the trails – peaceful and beautiful to get away from the city noise. 🙂 it’s my alone time so I rarely have friends along!

Good work out tip is to always get somebody else to motivate you! Tell someone your plans and then they can encourage you to not quit and keep going 🙂
Has worked a treat for me because I’m super lazy haha 🙂

You’re there to workout, pour everything you have into the minutes you are working out, in the grand scheme of 24 hours, 1 hour or 45min isn’t a long time – give it your everything and reap the rewards later.

Do it for yourself, and if you are like me, your offspring! It is amazing what great motivators they are, when no one else will support you!
I have an 18 month old daughter who loves exercising with me. We are doing a home based boot camp at the moment and we watch the workout in the morning when we wake up and then she gets my shoes as if to say, come on Mummy lets do it 🙂 She is my motivation to get fit and finally lose the baby weight I haven’t lost!